Free Web NovelChapter 334: Chapter 230: As One Pleases (2)
Of course, doing as he pleased didn’t mean abandoning what he already had. On the contrary, he planned to seize even more powerful trump cards in this chaotic new world!
Only when no one could stop him from doing whatever he wanted would he have truly succeeded!
This might take some time.
But there was no rush.
The comfortable feeling of the woman in his arms made him instinctively pull her warm, soft body tighter. ’Even though my feelings for her now are barely any warmer than for a stranger, this is a woman I have loved. Of course, she has to stay by my side.’
’From now on, I will hold everything I desire firmly in my grasp!’
As they both fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts, the sky gradually darkened.
Paige Summers snapped out of her daze and patted Sweetie, signaling that it was time to rest.
Sweetie obediently landed at the base of a small hill. There were trees here, but they weren’t dense, and there were no signs of mutated plants or animals. Sheltered from the wind and well-hidden, it was a perfect spot for camping.
Marcus Monroe didn’t say much. After his feet hit the ground, he stretched his body a little and promptly took out a tent to set it up.
Paige Summers, for her part, gathered some dry branches and started a fire.
’We’ve been eating instant food for days. Since we’re not in a hurry now, I might as well make something hot.’
While taking out a tripod, pots, bowls, and other items from her space, Paige Summers discreetly observed Marcus Monroe.
’His good mood seems to have lasted. His movements are focused and quick as he sets up the tent, his expression free of any gloom. He’s clearly showing a great deal of enthusiasm for this trip. It’s as if we aren’t going to scout the situation in Norgate, but are just on a private camping trip together.’
Watching him, Paige Summers gradually began to relax as well.
’His personality might have changed, but at least he isn’t rejecting my closeness. He even initiated this trip alone with me. If I ignore his ambiguous words from the road, doesn’t this also mean he wants to be with me? It looks like if we just take it slow, it won’t be long before we’re back to the way we were!’ As Paige Summers thought optimistically, her movements became more relaxed.
With no outsiders around, she took the liberty of taking out some hulled wheat kernels, cabbage, corn, and other things, did some simple preparation, and steamed a pot of grains and vegetables.
She was no cook and preferred simplicity, so this sort of rustic meal was all she could manage.
Fortunately, the ingredients were as fresh as could be. Even with only salt for seasoning, a fresh and fragrant aroma slowly began to waft from the pot.
Having finished his task, Marcus Monroe quickly sat down beside her.
"What smells so good?"
His attitude was very casual. For a moment, Paige Summers almost thought he was back to his old self, but then she secretly shook her head.
"Oh, it’s from the seeds you gave me last time."
Paige Summers thought for a moment, unsure if she should tell him about The Evo-Space just yet.
Marcus Monroe had already raised his eyebrows high. "The seeds I gave you? Are you saying you’ve already found a way to grow them?"
"Yeah. But..." Paige Summers suddenly stopped and tilted her head to listen. "Someone’s coming."
Marcus Monroe nodded casually, indicating he had heard it too. However, his mind was still on what she had just said.
’She actually managed to grow those seeds? That’s shocking! But... that can’t be right. It hasn’t been that long. How could she possibly have a harvest so soon?’
He couldn’t help but lean over and lift the pot lid. Brushing aside the steam, the contents became clearly visible: plump wheat kernels, verdant cabbage, golden corn... ’This mix is a little strange, but the quality of these ingredients is far better than anything I’ve ever seen!’
He restrained himself, suppressing the urgent desire to know the whole story, and sat back down.
’Now is not a good time.’
The sound of an engine grew closer, seeming to head right for them.
In less than two minutes, a large SUV stopped a short distance away. People began to get out one after another. Paige Summers counted them: including the driver, there were eleven people, two of whom were female Superpower Users.
’The vehicle is well-modified. The people look tired and their clothes are a bit tattered, but no one’s injured. They’ve clearly been through a fight, but they’re strong enough to stay safe out here.’
Normally, when encountering a Hunting Party in the wild, most groups would choose to be wary and simply ignore them, at most giving a nod to show they had no ill intent. If they happened upon an occupied resting spot, it was first come, first served; the newcomers would have to find another place. When facing strangers, especially other Superpower Users, everyone was vigilant against becoming a target of greed.
Of course, there were also enthusiastic types, but they usually had ulterior motives, either for recruitment or to seek a temporary alliance.
After all, idiots who were naturally cheerful enough to strike up conversations with strangers usually didn’t live long.
’This group in front of us definitely isn’t a bunch of idiots.’
Paige Summers glanced at the surrounding terrain and quickly sized up the situation.
The other areas were too flat and had too much brush, making them unsuitable for camping.
’Looks like these people want to stay.’
The other party was tactful. Soon, a man who looked like the leader stepped forward and said with a smile, "Sorry to disturb you both, my apologies. But there really aren’t any other suitable places to stop nearby. I was wondering if you could make an exception and let us rest for the night over there?"
The man looked to be in his thirties and had a rather honest-looking face. He kept a constant smile, and his words were very polite.
Paige Summers didn’t mind, so she looked toward Marcus Monroe.
Marcus Monroe glanced at the man with a hint of impatience. "A hundred meters away."
The man’s expression didn’t change in the slightest. He immediately said, "Of course. Thank you." After that, he nodded to the two of them and turned back towards the vehicle, though his smile had faded a little.
Watching Marcus Monroe, Paige Summers couldn’t help but find it a little amusing.
’It’s like he’s shed his mature outer shell, revealing a core that just does as it pleases, without a care in the world.’
’Actually... it’s not as bad as I imagined.’
’In this world, sometimes you need to be a little ruthless and domineering. It makes people with bad intentions think twice, too scared to act rashly.’
